JANUARY 2025 | ISSUE ONE
3
A note from the city
Managing winter road conditions
4
Tips to be winter weather ready
5
Rethink Maguire: Transforming Warrensburg’s main corridor
7
Warrensburg SROs in action
8
Liquor license renewals
9
Community resources: WFD community connect and see click fix
11
Talking trash!
12
From archive vaults to bytes
13
New year, new building and fire codes
15
FY25 budget in brief
City Administration, Human Resources, utility collections, business and pet licensing
8 a m to 5 p m Monday - Friday
660 747 9131
102 S Holden St
Crime prevention and incident response, police reports, traffic safety, school resource officers
8 a m to 5 p m Monday - Friday
660 747 9133 (non-emergency)
102-B S Holden St
Fire prevention and incident response, fire extinguisher training, fire inspections
8 a m to 5 p m Monday - Friday
660 747 9136 (non-emergency)
102 S Holden St
Programs and classes, events, park maintenance, facility and shelter rental, pools
8 a m to 5 p m
660 747 7178
445 E Gay St
Building permits, nuisance violations, new development, planning, zoning
8 a m to 5 p m Monday - Friday
660 747 9135
102 S Holden St
Street maintenance, snow and ice removal, stormwater drainage, traffic management, sanitary sewer
8 a m to 4 p m Monday - Friday
660 747 9135 (non-emergency)
102 S Holden St
Pay a ticket, court record search, victims’ rights
8 a m to 5 p m Monday - Friday
660 747 9132 (non-emergency)
102-B S Holden St
On the cover: The statue of Old Drum stands guard at night in front of the courthouse - Photo by Michael Toller. Table of contents: Rainbow over Lions Lake. Above: A snowy night in downtown Warrensburg
The Warrensburg Legend is published three times a year by the City of Warrensburg Please send questions or comments to communications@warrensburg-mo com
New year new us? While there are many exciting changes coming in 2025 to the wonderful place we call home, Warrensburg is still the same small town with big soul!
From solid waste and building code updates to construction beginning on Maguire, we can’t wait to share everything happening in Warrensburg in the upcoming year. We’re so glad you ’ re on this journey with us!
We hope you had the merriest of holidays with your loved ones, and stay happy, warm, and safe this winter!
Let it snow! When the weather outside is frightful, the Warrensburg Public Works crews are prepared to keep drivers safe! We take wintertime driving hazards seriously, and one of the tools in our wintertime toolbelt is salt brine.
Salt brine is a liquid mixture of water and salt that is applied to roads before a snowstorm. This proactive approach prevents snow and ice from sticking to the pavement, making it easier to plow and clear streets.
Benefits of Salt Brine
The brine is applied using specialized trucks equipped with spray systems. The solution forms a barrier on the road surface, melting light snow and ice as it falls. It is particularly effective when used 24 - 48 hours before a storm.
Cost-Effective: Less salt is required compared to traditional methods, reducing material costs. Environmentally Friendly: Reduces the amount of salt runoff into local waterways.
Prevents Ice Buildup: By treating roads early, it helps prevent dangerous ice layers from forming, making roads safer for drivers.
Faster Road Clearance: Easier snow removal results in quicker road reopening after storms.
As winter approaches, it's important to be prepared for potential snowstorms and icy conditions. Whether you ' re commuting to work or staying at home, here are some essential preparedness tips to help you stay safe and ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter by checking the following:
Tires: Make sure your tires have enough tread. You can also switch to snow tires for better traction.
Emergency Kit: Stock your car with blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a small shovel.
Windshield Wipers: Replace wipers if needed and fill the reservoir with winterspecific washer fluid.
When snow is in the forecast, plan your trips carefully:
Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall
Keep extra distance between vehicles while driving.
Carry an emergency kit in your car, just in case you get stranded.
Monitor local weather reports and heed any advisories. Sign up for emergency alerts to receive notifications on severe weather conditions, road closures, or emergency services.
Heavy snowfall can lead to power outages or limited access to stores. Be sure to have: Non-perishable food and water for at least three days.
Flashlights and extra batteries in case of power loss
Warm clothing and blankets to stay cozy indoors.
Insulate Pipes: Prevent freezing by insulating exposed pipes and keeping a slow drip of water running during extremely cold nights.
Shovel & Salt: Have a snow shovel and ice melt ready to keep driveways and walkways clear.
Check Your Heat Source: Whether you use a furnace or wood-burning stove, ensure everything is in working order before the first snowfall
By preparing now, you'll be better equipped to handle winter’s challenges throughout the entire season. Stay warm and safe!
Main Corridor
The next time you travel along the Maguire Street corridor, you might notice important infrastructure improvements are underway Rethink Maguire is a big initiative for Warrensburg. The comprehensive road rehabilitation project focuses on enhancing traffic flow and safety, while also upgrading pedestrian pathways, stormwater infrastructure, and the sanitary sewer system.
The Rethink Maguire project is a comprehensive effort that will take time to complete. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and will be phased. While it may cause temporary inconveniences, the end result will be a safer, more efficient, and more attractive Maguire Street Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during construction. Your cooperation and support are crucial as we work together to enhance our community’s infrastructure for future generations.
Check out the interactive construction map at www.rethinkmaguire.com to always be up to date on the work happening, where crews will be, and how this may impact your commute!
If Maguire Street was a house, this would be considered a complete “gut and remodel” including work on the foundation, which involves replacing aging underground infrastructure The overall goal is to boost the economic vitality of the businesses along the corridor and improve the quality of life for residents. By modernizing our infrastructure, we are laying groundwork for a more prosperous and sustainable future
Stay in the know before you go with the interactive map for Rethink Maguire Construction! The map on the home page of our website displays the construction work happening along the Maguire Street corridor, including anticipated timing and impacts Click on the information icons to learn more. The map will be updated as construction progresses. For the best user experience, view the map on a computer, as the map may not be compatible with all mobile devices.
The Warrensburg Police Department's School Resource Officer (SRO) Division is all about safety, education, and mentorship in the Warrensburg R6 School District. Led by Administrative Lieutenant Stephene Smith, Corporal Emma Miller, Officer Layne Fischer, and Officer Melissa Ducos go beyond traditional law enforcement, focusing on connecting with students and reaching out to the community. Their presence not only keeps Warrensburg schools safe, but also builds trust and positive relationships with students
SROs wear a lot of hats to keep students and staff safe and comfortable. Their day kicks off with morning drop-off, where they greet students and keep traffic moving. During the day, they check building security, make sure doors and windows are locked, and keep an eye on less supervised areas to keep everyone safe
One of their biggest priorities is building positive relationships with students They hang out with them during lunch, passing periods, and even recess! The SRO Division also attends after-school activities, supervises extracurriculars, manages crowds at games, and makes sure students stay safe during large gatherings.
The SROs work with staff to resolve conflicts, deescalate situations, and handle any serious behavioral issues. SROs also address any potential threat to the learning environment that occurs outside of the school building, assisting patrol.
Mentoring is also a big part of their role, providing guidance to students who may be facing personal struggles
SROs are also active in the classroom, leading educational programs on topics like substance use prevention, healthy relationships, online safety, dangers of distracted driving, careers in law enforcement, and anti-bullying These lessons make a real difference in students' awareness and safety.
Recently, the unit launched the "Caught Doing Good" program to recognize students who go above and beyond or report dangerous or criminal activity. Those students are given a challenge coin and a certificate of appreciation from the police department, encouraging positive behavior both in and outside of school.
Warrensburg Police Corporal Emma Miller has been with the department since 2022 She was recently honored as Johnson County Prevention Coalition’s member of the month in October for her dedication to community education and empowerment in preventing youth substance abuse!
The SROs’ work doesn’t stop at the school door. They run programs like "Hidden in Plain Sight," which teaches parents how to spot signs of risky behavior right in front of them They also give presentations at the Senior Center on elder abuse and scams, and teach Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) self-defense classes to provide attendees extra ways to protect themselves The division also trains WR6 staff, students, and local businesses on lockdown procedures and how to respond to active threats.
One of the biggest community highlights is the annual "Shop with a Cop" event, where the SROs work with school counselors and social workers to identify students who could use a little extra support during the holidays.
Corporal Miller, Officer Fischer, and Officer Ducos play a key role in keeping the Warrensburg School District safe and thriving. Their steady presence and commitment to education and mentorship strengthen the connection between students, staff, and law enforcement Through their proactive initiatives, the SRO Division creates an environment where safety, support, and success flourish, making them a valuable part of both the school district and the larger Warrensburg community
In Warrensburg, any business wishing to sell liquor must first obtain a liquor license in addition to the standard business license. The liquor license must be renewed annually by July 1. Establishments can start the year off right by completing their liquor license inspection in January and February!
Step 1: Read through the liquor license inspection checklist. If you need an inspection checklist, you can pick one up at City Hall, call 660-747-9131, or email licenses@warrensburg-mo.com.
Step 2: Schedule your inspection by calling 660-747-9135. Inspections are scheduled 48 hours out.
Step 3: The Building Inspector and Fire Marshall will conduct the inspection. They will go over anything that needs to be re-inspected.
Step 4: Schedule your re-inspection, if needed.
Step 5: You made it! Cheers!
Inspections (and one reinspection if necessary), held between January 2 and February 28 are FREE. Any additional inspections, or inspections completed after February 28, have a $225 fee.
Quick access to important information is critical to firefighters when responding to emergencies For decades, firefighters have visited and compiled information from Warrensburg businesses to better understand the building, its contents, and the people that work and visit within. The Warrensburg Fire Department now offers a tool to its residents to gather similar information so it is available to firefighters if an emergency occurs at your house.
By signing up for Community Connect, you can provide direct information to the fire department Community Connect has “bank level” security to ensure any information you elect to share is kept secure. You can provide information about your property, those that live there, any important information or special needs, and of course, your pets! You can find out more by visiting communityconnect.io/info/mo-warrensburg or by scanning the QR code with your phone.
Scan the QR code or visit the link above to learn more and set up your Community Connect profile today!
Click Fix Improves Work Order Management and Makes Reporting a Public Works Issue as Easy as 1 2 3!
See Click Fix is a user-friendly software that allows Warrensburg community members to share infrastructure concerns/public works issues such as potholes, problems with street signs or signals, and sidewalk damage with the City via their phone or computer. It also allows the City to provide The Public Works Department aims to respond to all reported concerns within 48 hours along with an estimated timeline for repairs
feedback on the request.
See Click Fix is available on the City’s website, and there is also a free mobile app available to download.
Scan the QR code to visit the City’s website, where you can learn more about how to use
See Click Fix and submit a ticket!
Changes are coming to solid waste services in Warrensburg. Here’s an overview of your need-to-know info!
On September 9, 2024, Warrensburg City Council adopted Ordinance 5893,
authorizing a contract with Constable Sanitation, Inc. for Solid Waste and Recycling Services for residential customers.
The contract with Constable Sanitation Inc applies to properties with 4 or fewer residential units including four-plexes, triplexes, duplexes, and single-family homes located inside city limits. Properties with five or more dwelling units, commercial businesses, or industrial businesses are not part of the contract and will continue contracting for solid waste removal services on their own. Properties located outside of city limits are not a part of the contract.
The new Residential Collection Service will begin on March 1, 2025 The City will bill citizens in combination with the existing sewer bills. New carts will be delivered to each address a few weeks before the March 1 start date. The City estimates the monthly charge for the base service will be $31/month which includes all of the following for each service address:
Weekly, curbside trash service: one 96-gallon cart
Weekly, curbside recycling service: one 96gallon cart
Weekly, curbside yard waste service: 10 bags or bundles per week
Monthly, curbside bulky waste service: 1 bulky item per month
In February 2022, as a response to ongoing issues with solid waste collection, the Warrensburg City Council unanimously passed Resolution #2209 setting forth the City’s intention to potentially contract for solid waste services in compliance with state regulations requiring a two-year notice period.
During 2023, the City developed a comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) to guide the City’s future materials management system.
Stakeholder engagement during the planning process included an online survey with over 1,000 responses, public workshops, interviews with haulers, and City Council presentations.
In August 2023, City Council adopted the SWMP and directed staff to begin a competitive procurement process for solid waste collection, recycling, and yard waste services.
Questions about the new solid waste services? Email us!
solidwaste@warrensburg-mo.com
The City of Warrensburg has officially implemented
a new innovative electronic document management system, powered by Laserfiche, that will revolutionize how the city preserves and accesses records. Funded by a Missouri Secretary of State electronic records initiative grant awarded in June of 2023, the City Clerk’s office has spent the past year building and populating the city’s new Document Center repository with archived records as early as 1856 to the current day.
The 24/7 accessible Document Center allows users to easily search and retrieve essential city documents, including city
Scan the QR code to access the Document Center!
council minutes, ordinances, and resolutions. Whether searching by year or keyword, residents can access these records anytime online, enhancing government transparency and making it easier to obtain city documents.
With this new digital Document Center, the city has greatly improved efficiency in record keeping The system offers realtime search capabilities, allowing staff and citizens to retrieve, print, or download documents quickly. This helps eliminate lost or misfiled documents, saves time, and reduces the cost of fulfilling record requests. In addition, it
also helps Warrensburg comply with the Missouri Secretary of State’s record retention requirements, ensuring consistent and secure access to city records.
Whether it’s accessing historical documents or municipal records, these efforts empower citizens to actively engage in civic affairs, fostering trust and accountability within the Warrensburg community, and ensuring the preservation of its rich heritage for future generations. You can find this new system under City Clerk/Document Center on the city’s website.
The City of Warrensburg currently operates under the 2018 set of International Building Codes and the codes are updated every six years.
The 2024 International Building and Fire Codes
were reviewed by the Building Code Board of Appeals, city staff, and local contractors who all reviewed each code book, as well as the proposed changes and the recommended local amendments. The board met weekly from March through June. The City would like to thank our local contractors for taking time to be an active part of the City’s building and fire code update process. Additionally, two presentations were given at public meetings on the building code updates. Brett Penrose, Building Official, and Jeremy VanWey, Fire Marshall, talked about the significant changes and proposed local amendments.
2024 Building Codes Recommended for Adoption
International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Fire Code
International Mechanical Code
International Plumbing Code
International Fuel Gas Code
International Energy
Conservation Code (2018)
International Existing Building Code
2023 National Electric Code
Members of the community attend the 2024 building code public meeting
Key changes to the residential building code include:
Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings– The dimensions for emergency escape & rescue openings for basement remodels, additions, and change of occupancies were reduced to 4 sq ft Previously,
it was 5 sq. ft.
There is a requirement for selfclosing doors between the house and the garage. It must be sufficient for the latch to engage and the door to be secure.
Length of
to Fixtures– There is a 100 feet limit (measured from the water heater) on the length of hot water pipe to reduce water waste as occupants wait for it to warm up.
Scan the QR code to view the 2024 building and fire codes!
Where can I see a copy of the building and fire codes? A copy of the 2024 International Building and Fires Codes are available to view at City Hall and can be accessed online at codes.iccsafe.org
When will the new 2024 International Building and Fires Codes take effect? The new codes will take effect on March 1, 2025.
I am submitting a permit. Which code will my permit be reviewed under? Any building permit application submitted before March 1, 2025, will be reviewed under the 2018 International Building and Fire Codes. In addition, all inspections for that permit will be subject to the 2018 codes.
Is the City adopting the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code? No, the City of Warrensburg will remain in the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. But please note:
A new section added in 2021 requires a whole-house surge protection device (SPD) to be installed at the service panel for all new one- and two-family dwellings. A SPD is also required in existing homes where the electric panel and/or outside disconnect (not the meter) is replaced.
Stairways in Existing Buildings–Alterations to existing stairways
are no longer required to comply with the requirements for new stairs when the existing space and construction does not allow for a reduction in stairway pitch or slope
Vapor
Under Concrete Slabs– A vapor barrier 10 mil thick or greater is required under slabs-on-grade for heated structures Previously, it had to be 6 mil. thick.
What are some changes to the commercial building code?
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Detection–CO detection is required in all new and existing commercial buildings except for Storage, Factory, or Accessory Structures.
Outdoor areas– Occupiable roofs have been added to Chapter 10, Means of Egress, for exiting requirements and this applies to yards, patios, courts, and similar outdoor areas.
Low-level exit signs in Group R1– Hotels and motels no longer require low-level exit signs if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
Power-operated Doors– A power-operated door is required at each accessible public entrance for newlyconstructed buildings used for business, retail, and hotels that have an occupant load greater than 500 persons. For new assembly buildings, a poweroperated door is required if the occupant load exceeds 300 persons.
What are some proposed local amendments?
Exit and Emergency Lights– For new and remodeled commercial building permits, this ordinance would require exit and emergency lights to be put on a separate circuit from the rest of the building’s electrical system This allows inspectors a more effective way of testing the emergency lighting by isolating the circuits.
Electric service grounding required at the first point of disconnect– This ordinance would clarify where to install the service ground by requiring the grounding conductor to come out of the disconnect or disconnect/meter combo or, if there is no disconnect, it would come out of the meter can.
Prohibiting the use of manufactured ventless room heaters– Unvented gas and fuel fireplace/heating appliances (if not working properly) can deplete oxygen levels, release carbon monoxide, and cause lung irritation due to impurities emitted into the air.
Where electrical work is performed on an existing home or business, the City would no longer approve the work if the electric panel is branded Zinsco or Federal Pacific until they are removed. This is due to longstanding safety concerns surrounding these panels.
Starting a building project or have questions about the process? Contact Community Development!
The annual budget is an important financial planning tool that directly reflects community priorities in the services that are funded. The City estimates incoming revenues and budgets for expenses accordingly, as creating a balanced budget is essential not only for managing operations and service delivery, but also for responsible fiscal stewardship and sustainability To view the full Fiscal Year 2025 budget, visit the Finance page on the City’s website.
$69,066,214
The budget has expenses across a variety of areas.
Infrastructure: The Capital Improvement Program, sanitary sewer service, and road maintenance
Public Safety: Police and Fire protection
Quality of Life: Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Solid Waste Services, and Tourism
Administration: City service areas and fiduciary funds support
The City’s total budget provides for not only the daily operations and service delivery that help our community thrive, but also funds long-term improvements, payments on debt, and other administrative costs.
The General Fund is the City’s main operating fund and pays for key services such as public safety, public works, community development, and administration. Revenue in the General Fund comes primarily from sales tax, although it is also supported by property tax and fees.
$12,712,664 General Fund Budget
Fund Expenses
The Value of Your Tax Dollar
B e s t F r i e n d R o u n d U p
Warrensburg is home to many a legend (the inspiration for this newsletter), but the most renowned is the legend of Old Drum and his famous eulogy--A Tribute to the Dog by Senator George Graham Vest Senator Vest declared, “The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man has in this world is his dog ”
If you’d like to see your best friend featured in The Warrensburg Legend, send us a picture of your furry, scaly, feathery, slimy, prickly pet to communications@warrensburg-mo.com